Allergic reactions in children are probably one of the most common medical issues parents and medical professionals have to be prepared for. It is estimated that 50 million Americans have an allergy of some type and these are usually developed during infancy or early childhood. When children have an allergic reaction it can get in the way of key aspects of their lives, affecting the way they sleep, play, and learn. Here are the 10 most common food allergies in children that parents should be on the look out for.

1. Eggs

Because egg whites contain high levels of protein, eggs can cause extreme reactions in kids.

2. Milk

This is probably the mot common food allergy for children. Currently, the majority of children who develop this allergy have it in their first year.

3. Soy

While most children with a soy allergy will eventually outgrow it, the reactions they experience can be quite severe.

4. Wheat

Since wheat is a common ingredient in most foods served to children, parents should be extra careful when choosing meals. While most children will outgrow this sensitivity, the reactions can be very severe for them.

5. Peanuts

This food allergy is becoming even more prevalent among children with each passing decade. Some children will have severe reactions from just coming into contact with peanuts.

6. Tree Nuts

The allergic reaction to tree nuts is potentially fatal in children. Nuts like almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, coconut, and pecans can all be dangerous if the child experiences an allergic reaction soon after eating them.

7. Fish

Children who have been diagnosed to have fish allergy must avoid all kinds of fish until the exact culprits have been identified. It should also be noted that the next reaction could be very serious although the most recent one was mild.

8. Shellfish

Usually, a child who is allergic to shellfish is not allergic to fish.

9. Strawberries

Strawberries contain specific proteins that the body may identify as foreign and harmful. For that reason, they can prove to be more dangerous than parents may realize.

10. Kiwi

There is a rising number of incidents involving kiwi allergies among children. Introduce this fruit to your child with caution.

Any food has the possibility of triggering an allergic reaction in a child but the 10 most common food allergies in children are the ones mentioned above. Once you know that your children have a food allergy you'll need to take steps to prevent them from eating that particular food. In a perfect world, you just refrain from giving them those foods. However, there are other ways through which they can be exposed to those foods. If your children are prone to severe reactions you might want to make sure they have an epi-pen or some type of medication on hand that will fight off the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The good news is that children usually outgrow these allergies as they get older but until then, as a parent you will need to be ever vigilant. So, no matter which of the 10 most common food allergies in children they may have, be always on the look out.